Competition Law at Zimbabwe
Here’s an overview of Competition Law in Zimbabwe:
Competition Law in Zimbabwe
1. Legal Framework
The primary legislation is the Competition Act [Chapter 14:28], enacted in 1996 and amended several times.
The Act aims to promote and protect competition in markets, prevent anti-competitive conduct, and protect consumer interests.
2. Regulatory Authority
The Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) is Zimbabwe’s independent authority responsible for enforcing competition law.
The CTC investigates anti-competitive behavior, reviews mergers, and promotes competitive markets.
3. Key Provisions
Anti-competitive agreements
Prohibits agreements or concerted practices that prevent, restrict, or distort competition.
Includes price fixing, market division, bid rigging, and other cartel behavior.
Abuse of dominant position
Prohibits firms holding a dominant market position from abusing that power.
Examples include predatory pricing, exclusive dealing, refusal to supply, and discriminatory practices.
Merger control
Mergers and acquisitions that exceed certain turnover thresholds must be notified to the CTC.
The CTC reviews mergers to assess their impact on competition and can approve, reject, or approve with conditions.
4. Sanctions and Enforcement
The CTC can impose administrative fines and other penalties on companies that violate competition law.
Remedies may include orders to cease anti-competitive conduct or structural changes.
The CTC also engages in advocacy and public awareness to foster competitive business practices.
5. Recent Trends
Zimbabwe has been strengthening enforcement efforts in key sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and agriculture.
The government aims to improve market efficiencies and consumer welfare through stricter competition oversight.
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